Buick LeSabre recall history and complaint patterns
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Buick LeSabre, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Buick LeSabre. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Buick LeSabre, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1967–2006 with 57 recall campaigns and 4862 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 2000 (5), 1987 (4), and 1988 (3).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 2000 (847), 1998 (518), and 1997 (514).
- Top recall themes: Brakes, Other, and Fuel and emissions.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Visibility:power window devices and controls, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Electrical system.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Brakes
11 campaigns · Years: 1967, 1970, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1987–1988, 1992, 2000These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
Other
8 campaigns · Years: 1970–1971, 1975, 1978, 1981, 1984–1988These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.
Fuel and emissions
5 campaigns · Years: 1982, 1984, 1989, 1996–2000These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
Steering and suspension
5 campaigns · Years: 1974, 1977, 2000, 2002These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
Visibility and lighting
5 campaigns · Years: 1971, 1977, 1986, 1995, 2000These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).
Powertrain
3 campaigns · Years: 1976, 1992–1993, 1999These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.
Seats and restraints
3 campaigns · Years: 1979, 1988, 1997These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
Electrical
2 campaigns · Years: 1987, 1996These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Buick LeSabre in NHTSA complaint data are Visibility:power window devices and controls, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Electrical system.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 0 | 4 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Structure:frame and members:underbody shields, Suspension. |
| 2005 | 0 | 95 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 2004 | 0 | 212 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel, Structure. |
| 2003 | 1 | 209 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure, Air bags, Structure:body. |
| 2002 | 2 | 380 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Visibility:power window devices and controls, Structure, Air bags. |
| 2001 | 0 | 460 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Visibility:power window devices and controls, Structure, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 2000 | 5 | 847 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Visibility:power window devices and controls, Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1999 | 2 | 268 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Engine and engine cooling, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 1998 | 1 | 518 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Engine and engine cooling:engine. |
| 1997 | 2 | 514 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 1996 | 2 | 121 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Air bags:frontal, Vehicle speed control. |
| 1995 | 1 | 235 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Air bags:frontal, Electrical system:horn. |
| 1994 | 0 | 220 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Air bags:frontal. |
| 1993 | 1 | 264 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1992 | 2 | 245 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines. |
| 1991 | 0 | 46 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition, Electrical system:ignition:module, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1990 | 0 | 75 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. |
| 1989 | 2 | 35 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Vehicle speed control, Electrical system:ignition, Fuel system, gasoline. |
| 1988 | 3 | 22 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering:rack and pinion, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Steering:hydraulic power assist system. |
| 1987 | 4 | 53 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering:hydraulic power assist system, Electrical system:ignition, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1986 | 2 | 20 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly. |
| 1985 | 1 | 6 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Parking brake:conventional, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components. |
| 1984 | 2 | 7 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Seat belts:rear/other, Seats:front assembly:recliner. |
| 1983 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor. |
| 1982 | 1 | 1 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Vehicle speed control. |
| 1981 | 3 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1979 | 2 | 2 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables, Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch. |
| 1978 | 2 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1977 | 3 | 1 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Exterior lighting:turn signal:switch. |
| 1976 | 2 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1975 | 3 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1974 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1972 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1971 | 3 | 1 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Tires:tread/belt. |
| 1970 | 2 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1967 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Service brakes , Fuel system and Vehicle speed control
Other Buick Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Buick models.
- Allure 2005–2009
- Cascada 2016–2019
- Century 1981–2005
- Electra 1981–1990
- Enclave 2007–2027
- Encore 2013–2027
- Encore GX 2020–2027
- Envision 2016–2027
- Envista 2024–2027
- LaCrosse 2005–2019
- Lucerne 2006–2011
- Park Avenue 1991–2005
- Rainier 2004–2007
- Reatta 1988–1991
- Regal 1981–2020
- Regal TourX 2018–2020
- Rendezvous 2001–2007
- Riviera 1981–1999
- Roadmaster 1990–1996
- Skyhawk 1981–1990
- Skylark 1981–1998
- Somerset 1985–1987
- Terraza 2005–2007
- Verano 2012–2017
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.